AICPA resubmits letter pushing STEM designation for accounting

On August 1, the AICPA—and all 54 State CPA Societies, including Oklahoma— sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requesting a STEM designation for accounting. 

The profession is working on STEM designations in many ways to grow the CPA pipeline.

The letter requested DHS recognize accounting under the “T” for Technology in Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) education.  

The letter also specifically requested that six accountancy programs be added to the Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code list maintained by DHS’s STEM Designated Degree Program List. 

Should these codes be added to the list, colleges and universities across the country could tap into a deeper pool of STEM-designated grant money to enhance their accounting programs and grow their student bodies. 

The letter leans heavily into the new skills accounting students are acquiring and promotes using both existing tools and developing new technology tools that drive change and advancement in the accounting profession.

Along with support from 54 state CPA societies, including Oklahoma, the letter was also supported by CAQ, NASBA, NABA, ASCEND, AACSB and others. 

The AICPA anticipates DHS will release the updated STEM CIP code list next summer.

The 2023 Accounting STEM Nomination Letter can be viewed here.

The OSCPA will continue to share STEM advocacy outreach updates when available.